Real Housewives of New York City Cast Demands Raises, Could Be Fired

The Real Housewives of New York City cast's latest drama is happening off-camera. According to TMZ and The New York Post's Page Six, cast members LuAnndeLesseps, Carole Radziwill, AvivaDrescher, RamonaSinger, SonjaMorgan and Heather Thomson have rejected individual contract offers to appear on Season 6. The six women have reportedly banded together and demanded large pay raises for everyone.

According to TMZ, Bravo "is furious" with the reality stars and has told its stars they have until May 10 to sign their current individual offers -- "or they're all fired." (A rep for Bravo had no comment when contacted by TMZ and Page Six.) Production on the show's sixth season was slated to begin Monday, May 13.

A source explains the network's motives to Page Six: "It's either a wrap, or it's a tactic to get them to sign their contracts." Another insider added, "There's a lot of expenses that go into being on the show. And they're not frivolous. The cast asked for a modest increase -- enough so they can cover the costs and make a little money."

The women earn an average of $65,000 per season, according to Page Six. Some of the original cast members, like Singer, earn a reported $500,000. Bravo is also reportedly looking to add two new faces to "freshen up storylines" and "boost ratings."